SPEEDY JUSTICE PROCESS

The Ministry of Home Affairs has completed a comprehensive review of the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, repealing them and enacting three new statutes – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Sanhita (2023) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (2023). The new laws prescribe specific time‑limits for key stages – e.g., preliminary enquiry (14 days), further investigation (90 days), document supply (14 days), case commitment (90 days), discharge applications (60 days), framing charges (60 days), judgment (45 days) and mercy petitions (30 days to the Governor, 60 days to the President). They also mandate fast‑track investigations for offences against women and children, limit adjournments to two, and introduce e‑Sakshya, e‑Summon and Nyaya‑Shruti (VC) for digital evidence handling and virtual court appearances. The Minister of State, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, conveyed these details in a Lok Sabha reply.